Why I Declared Interest In Oyo Governorship

Popular Oyo State-based broadcaster, Oriyomi Hamzat, has explained the reasons behind his decision to seek the governorship of the state.

Hamzat said his decision was closely linked to divine direction, noting that after carefully considering advice from his close associates, he resolved to contest the 2027 governorship election on the platform of the Accord Party.

While expressing appreciation to his advisers and supporters who attended the Saturday rally, Hamzat, during one of his programmes on Agidigbo FM on Monday, thanked everyone who turned out for the event. The broadcaster, well known for his popular Yoruba expression, “e gbenu si mic”, meaning “speak to the microphone”, said he did not dismiss the views of those who advised him against contesting but remained personally convinced of his capacity to serve the people.

“The people of Oyo, my lovers, especially my advisers, who warned me against contesting. I thank you all. I sampled the advice of people who encouraged me to contest and those who warned me against it. I tabled it to God, and he approved my contesting.

“And I don’t want to disobey God because I want to please most of you who warned me against contesting. I believe you all love me; that’s why you are advising me. If there’s anyone I have offended with this decision, I implore them to forgive and support me now that I have declared my interest in the apex seat of the state.

“I want to serve the people and not be like most of those corrupt politicians. I believe that I will win because the people are for me, and I didn’t buy anyone to be at the event,” he said.

Oriyomi also brushed aside the opinions of critics who believe he would not succeed, saying he has moved past the fear of either losing or being denied victory if he contests.

“We have moved on from the point of whether I would be rigged out or lose the election. I am seeking all your support.”

It would be recalled that Hamzat formally announced his intention to run for governor on Saturday during a rally held at the Liberty Stadium in Ibadan, where he told supporters that his decision was based on what he described as a “divine calling.”

According to him, he had never intended to join a political party or pursue elective office, explaining that his earlier political involvement was limited to offering support to others.

Addressing the crowd at the event, he said, “Today, I am publicly declaring my intention to join Accord as my political platform and to contest the Oyo governorship election in 2027 as a candidate.”

He further stated that his decision was not driven by wealth, political influence, or support from those currently in power.

“I don’t have money or political connections, and I don’t have the backing of the government of the day. I have come with God, and that is all I need,” the popular Kokoro Alate programme host said.